Better think twice before you buy that Valentine’s Day card for a co-worker.

That’s the advice a West Michigan lawyer specializing in labor law is giving this week, even as people are lining up to choose cards and gifts for Tuesday’s holiday.

“You think of it as an innocent holiday, until it’s time to buy a card,” said Steve Palazzolo of Warner Norcross & Judd LLP. But risqué or suggestive cards easily can give the wrong impression — or offend.

“There’s no Valentine’s Day exemption to the sexual harassment laws,” he said.

Have a crush on the guy down the hall or a girl at the water cooler? Think Valentine’s is a perfect opportunity to send them an email declaring your feelings?

Think again, says Palazzolo.

“Expressing your unrequited love is for romance novels, and not your office mate,” he said. “If you’re having a relationship with someone at work — and let’s be honest, it happens — my advice is, keep it out of work.”

A faux pas in workplace romance can earn you a visit from a human resources professional, or — if it’s really got coworkers worried — more dire consequences.

“It’s possible you could lose your job over it,” Palazzolo said. He advises people to think twice before entering into workplace relationships.

“Often the harassment complaint begins as a consensual relationship,” he said.

Simple gifts — like a bowl of candy or a sheet cake — are OK, Palazzolo said, as long as they are shared with everyone. But even with heart candies, be careful.